Swansea Dog Trainer

Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’

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Christmas is here again where the host of the evening traditionally cooks enough food for four or five families which one family will try to eat. No sooner are we feeling sick and uncomfortable, someone suggests bringing the heaviest dessert ever… and places a huge slice of Christmas pudding in front of you.

As a result, there are always plenty of leftovers.

Did you know however that while some of it is ok most of the food on your plate can kill a dog?

Turkey necks are a BIG no no. I’ve spoken to Hannah Richards at Penybryn vet who says that most emergency calls over Christmas are caused by someone thinking it’s a wonderful idea to give the dog the turkey/goose/chicken neck to munch on. These tough, bony, reinforced wind pipes aren’t edible (hence why we don’t eat them) and cause blockages, discomfort, suffocation and death in a dog. Put these straight into the bin to avoid anyone getting any bright ideas!

Raw bones (larger bones) are usually ok  and do so at your own risk, but NEVER feed a dog (or cat) cooked bones. Cooked bones are more brittle and will slice up your dogs insides causing internal bleeding, infection and death.

Cooked bones are a no as above. (hi-lighted in bold to reiterate the point)

Nuts are best avoided, some are toxic while others are ok. All are a choking hazard so avoid all just in case. Just six Macadamia nuts for example can lead to complete paralysis in the average dog. While it’s nice for him to settle down, he’ll be settling down in the vet’s kennel.

Sausages, Bacon and other salty foods cause a dog to be thirsty which could lead to him drinking too much water causing bloat. In VERY small quantities ok, but if every one at the table gave a small quantity… you do the math.

Clementines and other seeded fruits contain traces of cyanide, safe enough for humans in small quantities but enough to kill a small animal, for example a dog.

Chocolate causes heart arrythmia which can lead to almost instant death. This can be in any quantity so like the turkey neck, never feed this to a dog… ever!

Alcohol and alcohol drenched foods (i.e. christmas pudding) are a no go too. Alcohol before the age of brewers originally came from fermented fruits so most fruit eating animals can handle trace alcohol without any issue. We’ve had millions+ years of practice. Dogs however are carnivores and can’t handle even a small amount. Dogs can easily succumb to alcohol poisoning and death.

Christmas pudding is also very high in another ingredient besides alcohol. Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are highly toxic to dogs and can cause instant kidney failure in relatively small amounts.

So what can my dog eat at Christmas?

Most other leftovers are ok, the general rule is meat and veg are ok, many fruits and most chemicals aren’t.

Left over turkey without the bones will be a lovely break from the normal dried dog kibble, vegetables and potatoes will add some vitamins and fibre while gravy will infuse into the added dry kibble creating something more appetising.

Keep it balanced to keep out of trouble, and if you’re in doubt about an ingredient, leave it out.

I also found a wonderful recipe if you fancied treating your dog this year to a balanced and healthy Christmas meal. Thanks to Joe Inglis for this one: Christmas dinner for dogs

I tried it myself, prepared the mash before our own dinner and slotted it into the oven. It smelled amazing, I even tasted it myself, the dogs wolfed it down so thumbs up from me.

As it’s Christmas, also watch out for

Sticky tape, plastic toys from crackers, baubles, Christmas lights, candles, cigarettes, overly affectionate children (these love annoying the dog)

And don’t forget to walk your dog on the day! Without that energy drain, he’ll start the day agitated and could be big trouble when the family arrive.

Have a VERY Merry Christmas from me; Simon, Jake the Greyhound, Beci the Cavalier and of course my lovely wife Yovina who has supported me in everything I’ve decided to drag her through with very little complaining.

Ok a little treat from the Swansea Dog Trainer. How to wrap a dog for Christmas :)